Electrically operated pump mechanism



Nov. 3, 1942. J. R. JAMES ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PUMP MECHANISM 4 sheets-shet 1 Filed Dec. 29, 1939 k; uuzflm wwww KN \QW Q 6 mm 3 1, LINN mmm wm @1. 8, mm a p & a, g Q$ J. R. JAMES" Filed Dec 29, 19:59 4 Sheet-Sheet 2 Jmes 1 T Nov. 3, 1942.

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PUMP MECHANISM "uni".

Nov. 3, 1942. J. R. JAMES 2,300,831 ELECTRICALLY OPERATEDPUM? MECHANISM Fil ed Dad. 29. 19:59 4 Sheets-Sh-tS Hllllllllll:

Nov. 3, 1942. JAMES 2,300,831-

' I ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PUMP MECHANISM FiledDec. 29, 1939 4 Sheet s-Sheet 4' Ii if W Patented Nov. I5, 1942 our ELECTRKCALLY, OPERATED BUR W MECHANISM John R. James, Chicago, Ill. I Appiication December 29, 1939, Serial No. 311,645

Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in pump mechanism and driving means therefor, and more particularly to synchronously timed electrically driven pumping mechanism.

My invention relates more particularly to an electrically operated pump assembly which will include the pump mechanism, electrically operated valves, pressure switches, and preferred form of timing motor all associated together to provide in efiect an improved fluid pumping system of a type which is highly desirable for certain exigencies.

For certain purposes, such, for example, as introducing boiler compound or other chemicals into the supply lines of commercial boilers, certain problems arise which require careful consideration and specially adapted mechanism in order to most emciently accomplish the operations necessary. As is well known in the art, boiler pressures vary from 300 to 700 pounds per square inch and it is sometimes difficult to introduce the chemicals required to neutralize the various types of water used to prevent scale from forming in the boiler. In different localities and under diiferent operating conditions boilers require different amounts of compound and at different intervals.

The principal object of my invention is to provide an improved electrically operated pump assembly for use in situations of the general type described which is capable of meeting all of the varying factors described in that it has a wide latitude of adjustment as to timing of operation, speed of operation and volume of fluid introduced.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved pump assembly of the type described having a comparatively simple and easy operating pump and motor mechanism with an improved pressure switch associated therewith for starting and stopping the operation of the same.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a pump assembly of the type described improved solenoid operated inlet and outlet valves for controlling the flow of fluid which isconveyed. I

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved synchronously operated switch mechanism for controlling the operation of the pump, motor and valves.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved pressure switch mechanism for controlling the starting and stopping of the pump assembly.

Other objects and advantages will be more apr.

parent from the following description wherein reference is had to the accompanying four sheets of drawings, upon which Fig. 1 is a plan view of a preferred form of my operated by a single solenoid motor;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational View of the same v Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken generally on the lines 33 of Fig. 2 and-shows one of the solenoid operated outlet valves which I employ in a closed position;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational View of one of the solenoid operated intake valves which I employ shown in closed position with fragments broken away in section to more clearly show other parts; a

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view through one of the pump mechanisms which I employ, and is taken generally on the lines 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the regulating motor which I employ for effecting the timed sequence of operation of the pump mechanism and inlet and outlet valves, showing the contact opening and closing mechanism associated therewith;

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view through a por tion of the switch mechanism taken generally on the line 11 of Fig. 6;

' Fig. 8 is a similar cross. sectional view through the switch mechanism at a differentpoint and is taken generally on the line 88 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view showing a modified arrangement of inlet and outlet lines associated with the pump mechanism;

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view of the electric pressure switch which I employ to start and stop the operation of the pumping system;

Fig. 11 is a wiring diagram showing the contact mechanism and the various elements which .they control; and Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view through the piston supporting and aligning mechanism.

In the embodiment of the invention which I have chosen to illustrate, I have shown one specific construction of pump assembly as well as other details which may constitute a preferred form of the same. Thus in Figs. 1 and 2 I have shown a solenoid motor construction comprising a pair of solenoid coils I B and i2 positioned upon a support M. The solenoid coils may be connected to a source of electrical energy by the leads ma and I2a. A single core member IE5 may be axially aligned with both coils and extend into the same so that when one coil or the other is energized, the core will be attracted back and forth in a straight line between the coils.

' I provide a non-conducting frame or support 13 positioned above the coils l9 and [2 to carry the pump assemblies 23 and 22. The support [8 is further provided with a plurality of spaced openings 24 adapted to support a pin 23 upon which a pair of levers ZB'may be carried. The pair of levers 28 are formed with their ends slotted as shown at 39 and 32 and engage in their lower slots a pin 3 secured to the core member IS. The upper slots 3%] (see Fig. 5) engage a pin member 36 which extends through a piston rod 38. The pin 36 is adapted to be held in a horizontal position between the levers 28 by means of a pair of bolt members 40 mounted in suitable drilled openings 42 and provided with spring members 44 for normally bearing against the pin member 36 on both sides of the piston rod 38, thus holding the same constantly in a horizontal position. I

For supporting the cylinders 20 and .2 I provide the upturned cars 46 on the frame I8. The cylinders 20 and 22 are similar and therefore only one will be described in detail. Each cylinder may me formed with an axial bore 48 terminating at one end in a reduced bore 50 through which the portion 38a of the piston rod may be extended. The opposite end of the bore 48 is screw threaded as shown at 52 to receive a reducing union 54 which connects with the T member 56 in the pumping system. The opposite end of the cylinder may have the reduced threaded shank 58 upon which a gland housing 60 is screw-threadedly mounted enclosing the packing gland 62. The piston 64 at the end of rod 30a may comprise a pair of oppositely facing cup leather washers fastened to the end of the rod by a screw member 66. In order to adjust the position of the piston in the cylinder, I provide the screw-threaded end 3% on the rod 38 and the tapped opening 380 on the rod 38a to receive the same. The lock nut 39 will thus fasten the piston assembly together in any desired extended position.

In order to prevent the building up a pressure in the rear of the bore 48 of the cylinders caused by leakage of a fluid past the piston, I provide a seepage line 68 extending from each one of the cylinders to the storage tank in which the fluid maybe stored.

For the purpose of adjusting the length of the stroke of the pistons I have provided the plurality of openings 24 in the frame or support l8 so that the pivot 26 may be mounted in any one of the openings, depending upon the length of the stroke of the piston that is desired.

For the purpose of providing a bearing to keep the piston 38 in alignment with the cylinders 20 I have provided the bearing nuts I0 which are mounted in the upturned cars 45 and held in position by the lock nuts 12. The bearing I0 and a cap nut I4 may also provide space for a packing gland I6, the nut I4 being mounted upon the end of the bearing member with an axial opening I8 through which the piston may extend. As a further fastening means to prevent misalignment of the piston v3-8, I provide the spring fastener member 4611 which is fastened under the downwardly directed teeth 4! in the slots 49 of the ears 46. This effectively prevents loosening or variation of the bearing members "I0 in the slots 49.

Each of the cylinders is connected to a T- member "56 which in turn has connected thereto the inlet'pipe line 19 and. the discharge pipe line 80. Each of the T 55 is further provided with a vent member 51 of the usual type which may be opened with a key member to permit pressure in the line to escape. A solenoid operated inlet valve 82 is provided in each of the lines I9 and a solenoid operated outlet valve 8-4 is provided in each of the discharge lines 80. The discharge lines 89 may extend to the supply line of the water which is used in the boilers into which the chemical is to be discharged. An additional air vent 8B is provided in each of these lines beyond the valves 84. An additional air vent 88 is provided in each of the inlet lines 19 beyond the inlet valves 82.

In Fig. 3 I have shown a preferred construction of the inlet valve 0x2. This construction may include a valve housing 90 formed with a dividing wall 92 within which a valve seat member 9 4 is screw-threadedly mounted. The member 94 is provided with the passageway 90 which at its upper end forms the port upon which the needle valve 98 is seated. An upwardly turned cup-shaped member I is held in position about the member 94 and provides a well within which the disc-like cap I02 that is fastened to the end of the needle valve 98 may move in a telescopic manner. The sleeve IOI thereabove is rigidly connected to needle valve 98 by soldering or otherwise. The solenoid which I employ to operate the valve may include the housing I04 which is screw-- threadedly mounted in the opening I06 of the valve body 90. I provide a suitable coil I08 in the housing I04 formed with a non-metallic axially positioned tubular member H0. The needle valve 9 8 has a metallic plunger II2 fastened to the same so that it may be actuated by energization of the coil I08. A secondary plunger H4 is slidably located about the lower end of the needle valve 98 and carries a spring silencer member II-S which is adapted when the coil is energized and the valve raised to bear against a shoulder in the housing I04 and deaden the sound of the valve opening as well as provide a resilient stop member. A coiled spring H8 is positioned above the plunger H2 and rests against a shoulder on the same for normally holding the valve when the coil is not energized in a seating position. I provide an upper stop member I20 which has a tapered opening I22 for receiving the upper pointed end of the needle valve when in a raised position.

With the above construction of a solenoid valve, it can be seen that I have provided a smooth operating plunger member which is aligned very accurately with the port upon which it seats and which also operates without abrupt shock so that the parts will not wear out so easily. In addition, with the construction shown, the plunger or the coil or any of the other parts may be easily removed and replaced without injuring any other part of the valve. The purpose of the disc member I02 positioned within the cup I00 is to perm'it fluid under pressure entering the valve body to assist in seating the same when the valve is closed. Since the area of the disc member I02 is almost as great as the internal diameter of the cup I00, the fluid under pressure will exert a force upon the top of the same and maintain the valve in an absolute sealed condition except when the coil is energized and the valve is snapped open. The purpose of having the plunger II4 slidable on the needle valve is to permit the same and the spring silencer member IIB to break the rapid rise of the needle valve when the solenoid is energized. Also, in descending, the part II 2 and the needle valve will drop first and then the member II4 will follow by gravity.

In Fig. 4 I have shown the details of construction of the outlet valve 8 The valve body 90a may be generally similar to the valve body of the inlet valve 82 and be formed with a dividing wall 92a. I provide a tapered opening 93 in the wall 92a within which is positioned a disc member 94a having a stem which engages the tapered opening 93. The stem is formed with a passageway 96a which forms a port for the needle valve 9841. 'The valve 98a may have a downwardly facing cup member II'IBa adapted to telescope over the disc member 94a in such a manner that there is a slight clearance about the same for the flow of fiuid. The remainder of the Valve 8-) may be similar to the construction shown and described in -Fig. 3. The purpose of the disc and the inverted cup-shaped member IiIIIa is to assist in the action of the valve in opening and closing. When it is desired to close the valve IIlQa it is more easily and quickly done with the construction shown by reason of the small area of the space between the disc member 94a and the cup member Illila which acts upon the fluid passing through and by permitting a smaller portion to reach the needle valve and the port 95a, the valve is more easily and quickly closed than if this construction were not used.

In Figs. 6 to 8 I have shown the mechanism whereby I attain the timed and synchronous operation of the solenoid operated pump motor mechanism and the inlet and outlet valves. The circuit is originally energized by means of a pressure switch I24 which may be positioned in the outlet line 80 (shown in Fig. which connects with the water supply line that leads to the boiler. This switch is only energized when the pressure of the water in the line so is suflicient to move the diaphragm I34 outwardly to close the switch I38 to be presently described. The pressure switch may include a housing I25 within which I mount a diaphragm I34 that carries an arm I36 for closing the switch I 38. The diaphragm may be connected to a rod I33 mounted for sliding movement in a housing I formed in the end wall I31 of the housing I 26.

A spring member I 40 normally tends to expand the diaphragm I34 against the pressure of the fluid going through the housing I25. The rod I 33 may be provided with an adjusting means comprising a bolt member I42 and a 100k nut I44 so that the diaphragm I 34 may be initially closed to a desired distance. In operation, when the pressure in the housing I26 is sufiicient to cause the diaphragm I34 to be pressed outwardly against the spring I ZIII, contact will be made between the contact points I-4'6 and I48 to close a circuit from a source ofsupply through the conduits H39 and I 553. This will. energize the variable speed motor I52 (see Fig. 6) and through a reduction gearing I54 the shaft I56 will be rotated at the desired rate of speed to operate the mechanism required at the desired intervals. It will be understood that the electric pressure switch which I have described is commonly known in the art and is simply one of several various types which may be employed for the purpose for which it is provided. The shaft I56 may be mounted in a support including a wall I58, and has keyed thereto a plurality of similar cam members I60 and I62. The cam members I6!) may carry an adjustable pin member I 64 adapted when rotating in a counterclockwise direction, to close the contact members I-SS and I 58. The cam members I62, which are provided with a rise I10 for holding contacts closed over an interval, are also adapted to move in a counterclockwise direction and close the contacts I72 and I'M as well as the contacts I16 and I'I8.

By referring to Fig. 11 in which a wiring diagram of the mechanism is illustrated, it can be seen that the conduits I49 and I are extended from a suitable source of current. In operation when the contact points I66 and I48 are closed,

the motor I52 is energized with the result that the cams I60 and I62 operate in a timed relation to open and close circuits through the various contact members described. As the shaft I55 is revolved, the two contact members I66 and IE8 connected to one inlet valve 82 and one outlet valve 84 areenergize'd, with theresult that the inlet valve 82 of one pump and the outlet valve 84 of the other pump are opened. One of the cams I62 is then revolved to close one of the contacts I.'i2Il4 energizing either the coil ID or the coil I2, causing the core I6 to be drawn in one direction into the coil, and a discharge stroke effected in one cylinder and a suction stroke in the other. While the contact is maintained through the contacts I'I2I'I I, contact is also maintained through the points I'M-I18 which is connected to the opposite coil, causing the same to be short-circuited, thereby de-inagneti'zing and assisting the movement of the core to the opposite cell. In timed sequence, depending upon the gear ratio and the R. P. M. of the motor I52, the opposite set of contacts FIE-I14 will be closed, the opposite sets of coils 8'2 and 84 will be energized, and the two pumps will discharge and suck in a charge in the same mannor as the first operation described. In the above manner it can be seen that the solenoid valves, the coil motor for operating the pump, and the de-energization of the coils are affected in a timed sequence as long as the pressure switch keeps a closed circuit.

In order to secure accurate timing of the operation I prefer to use for the motor I52 a variable speed motor of the type shown in my United States Patent No. 2,072,335, issued on March 2, 1937. However, it is also understood that any other satisfactory type of electric motor or other accurate timing mechanism may be used to drive the shaft I55 in the switch assembly so that the various valves and coils will be energized and de-energized in their proper sequence.

It is sometimes desirable to employ the dual pumping mechanism which I have shown for discharging through a single discharge pipe 80a. Accordingly in Fig. 9 I have shown the inlet pipes 19 which will connect with the cylinders 20 and 22 in the manner previously described, and a single discharge pipe 86a extending from the two outlet valves 24. With this arrangement of piping the discharge strokes of the chemical to the water feed line will still be in a timed sequence similar to that previously described except that the periods will be cut in half. In a similar manner and by simply reversing the piping described, a single inlet conduit may be provided from the chemical tank to both of the cylinders '28 and 22 and a pair of discharge pipes provided.

to different boilers. It is further obvious that other piping arrangements may be provided whereby from either a single or double pump the chemical will be directed to a plurality of boilers, or conversely, a plurality of difierent chemicals may be introduced through either a single cylinder or through several pump cylinders to a single boiler.

While I have illustrated and described a we ferred embodiment of the invention and details of construction of preferred forms of inlet and outlet valves, pressure switch and electric circuit, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in the exact details shown, and I do not wish to be limited in any particular; rather what I desire to secure and protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

I claim:

1. A pumping system for pumping fluid through a pipe line'from source of supply including a pump comprising a cylinder and a piston, an electric motor for operating said pump, a pipe line adapted to be connected from said source of supply to said cylinder, an electrically operated check valve in said line, an outlet pipe line leading from said cylinder, an electrically operated check valve in said line and an electric pressure switch in said outlet line beyond said check valve for controlling the operation of said motor and said check valves in timed sequence.

2'. A pumping system for pumping fluid through a pipe line from a source of supply including a pump comprising a cylinder and a piston, an electric motor for operating said pump, a pipe line adapted to be connected from said source of supply to said cylinder, a solenoid operated check valve in said line, an outlet pipe line leading from said cylinder, a solenoid operated check valve in said line and control means including an electric pressure switch in said outlet line beyond said check valve for operating said motor and said check valves in timed sequence.

3. A pumping system for pumping fluid through a pipe line from a source of supply including a pump comprising a cylinder and a piston, an electric motor for operating said pump, said motor comprising a pair of aligned solenoids and a single core adapted to reciprocate between said solenoids, a pipe line adapted to run from said source of supply to said cylinder, a solenoid operated check valve in said line, an outlet pipe line leading from said cylinder, a solenoid operated check valve in said line and control means including an electric pressure switch in said outlet line beyond said check valve for operating said motor and said check valves in timed sequence.

4. A pumping system for injecting chemicals from a source of supply into a water line under pressure including a pump comprising a cylinder and a piston, a solenoid motor for operating said pump, a pipe line from said source of supply to said cylinder, a solenoid operated check valve in said line, an outlet pipe line leading from said cylinder, a solenoid operated check valve in said line and control means including a variable speed motor, switch means operated thereby and an electric pressure switch in said outlet line beyond said check valve for starting said variable speed motor whereby said pump motor and said check valves are operated in timed sequence.

5. In an electrically operated pumping system, a pair of axially aligned cylinders, a piston for both cylinders comprising rigidly connected members extending into both of said cylinders, means for reciprocating said members whereby a discharge stroke is effected in one cylinder while a suction stroke is affected in the other, said means including a pivotally mounted lever and a pair of aligned solenoids, a single core extending into both of said solenoids and said lever connected to said core whereby when said solenoids are alternately energized reciprocation of said core operates said piston, and a pressure switch in said system for controlling the operation of said solenoids.

6. In an electrically operated pumping system, a pair of axially aligned cylinders, a pipe line leading into the end of each of said cylinders, an inlet and an outlet valve in each line, said lines adapted to join and enter a supply line in which there is fluid under pressure, a piston for both cylinders comprising rigidly connected members extending into both of said cylinders,

means for reciprocating said members whereby a discharge stroke is eifected in one cylinder while a suction stroke is affected in the other, said means including a pivotally mounted lever and a pair of aligned solenoids, a single core extending into both of said solenoids and said lever connected to said core whereby when said solenoids are alternately energized reciprocation of said core operates said piston, and control means for timing the operation of said solenoids.

'7. In an electrically operated pumping system, a pair of axially aligned cylinders, a pipe line leading into the end of each of said cylinders, an inlet and an outlet valve in each line, said lines adapted to join and enter a supply line in which there is fluid under pressure, a piston for both cylinders comprising axially aligned members extending into both of said cylinders, means for reciprocating said members whereby a discharge stroke is efiected in one cylinder while a suction stroke is affected in the other, said means including a pivotally mounted lever and a pair of aligned solenoids, a single core extending into both of said solenoids and said lever connected to said core whereby when said solenoids are alternately energized reciprocation of said core operates said piston, and control means for timing the operation of said solenoids, said control means including a pressure switch mounted in said supply line.

8. A pumping system including a storage tank, a pump comprising a pair of aligned cylinders and a piston comprising a unitary member extending into both of said cylinders, an electric motor for operating said pump, said motor comprising a pair of aligned solenoids, a single core extending into both solenoids, a pipe line from the tank to said cylinders, a check valve in said line, an outlet pipe line leading from said cylinders, a check valve in said line and control means including an electric pressure switch in said outlet line beyond said check valve for operating said motor and said check valves in timed sequence.

9. An electrically operated pump mechanism including a cylinder, a piston for said cylinder and means for reciprocating said piston whereby a discharge stroke is effected in said cylinder upon one movement and a suction stroke is affected by the reverse movement of said piston, said means including a pivotally mounted lever and a pair of aligned solenoids, a single core extending into both of said solenoids and said lever connected to said core whereby when said solenoids are alternately energized reciprocation of said core operates said piston and control mechanism for said reciprocating means including a pressure switch and a timed switch closing and opening means.

10. An electrically operated pump mechanism comprising a pair of aligned solenoids, a single core axially extended into both of said solenoids, a support, a pivotally mounted lever on said support connected to said core, a piston rod connected to the other end of said lever, a piston on the end of said rod, a cylinder for said piston mounted on said support, a bearing for said rod aligned with said piston and mounted on said support and means on said piston rod for changing the position of said piston in said cylinder.

JOHN R. JAMES. 

